Chris Reilly has loved reading from as early as she can remember and would spend hours letting her imagination run wild. She was born and raised in Liverpool, UK and still lives in her favorite city with her son and their two cats.
She spent the majority of her 20’s/30’s reading thrillers, but made the switch to romance when she picked up a book called ‘Dirty Letters’ and loved it and the authors so much, she went looking for more. Reading Indie Romance became her passion and she was inspired by these amazing authors and decided to put her writing hobby to the test.
A 'Happily Ever After' is always the goal for her characters, but there may be a cliffhanger or two, and definitely some angsty situations to work through, occasionally a little bit dark, but oh so delicious.
I was so excited to read this book. I loved Chris' "The Devil's Chaos" books, and I just needed more. And yes, this book is as good as the other books 🤩
Garrett and Calli are so different. He is a bad boy, she is a good girl. He is the tattoo artist who has a LOT of tattoos himself, she is an absolute clean canvas 😎 But they also have things in common. Yes, Garrett's past trauma is really heavy, but still,l Calli has to deal with things herself. And they are both artists.
I'm such a sucker for this kind of man. Garrett is so freaking 🔥 He might not be one with the most muscles, but he isn't a weak one either. He is strong. And all his tattoos 🥵 but most of all, I'm such a sucker for pierced 🍆 especially 🪜 God, yes 😍 He isn't into dating or relationships, but he is still a bit possessive and jealous when it comes to Calli 😁
I so loved all the side characters, and I hope to see more of them all. Calli's best friend Sin, but also her friend Ruby. As well as all of Garrett's friends/employees. I know I won't get what I would love to get about Phoenix and Lucky, but I can still hope, right? So 🤞They are all such a huge family. I love that 🩷
But there is one thing I didn't like in the book. The ending. And I quote here: "I know, I know – that was a bit mean to end the book like that. You'll find out what happens in Book 2 of the Blackhawk Ink series. Coming soon…"
Soon? Honestly? Soon isn't soon enough. I need it NOW. NOW! You understand? This ending 😱 Noooo 😱 It will ☠️ me 🙈
Absolutely loved this story of Garrett and Calli. Chris writes with incredible detail about characters you can not only relate to but that she brings to life through vivid character descriptions.
Her characters are often flawed, so you end up rooting for their character arc and the angst that she brings out in her will-they-wont-they romances is palpable.
This book was particularly steamy and I loved the level of spice in this. Garrett and Calli are hot together and I loved the way the story ended and the choices made.
Well done on another brilliant addition to your growing collection Chris.
BROKEN BY CHRIS REILLY. Book 1 of the Blackhawk series. 5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s. I jumped at the chance to read this book as it sounded sooooo good and I tell you something. This book is amazing. I loved every single second of it. Absolutely amazing characters. I can't wait to see what comes out next. Sooo good
Wow, this book was a rollercoaster! Our FMC Calli and MMC Garrett are both broken in different ways and keeping secrets about what broke them. Seeing them not only grow together but also as individuals and face their pasts was incredibly heartwarming.
Calli is impressively relatable, despite the events that brought her to Baltimore. Her grit and determination, combined with her snarky wit, had me loving her from the very start.
Garrett is the typical moody, morally grey MMC with a dark past, but still felt unique. I’m an absolute sucker for a moody guy who utterly melts for the right woman, and the more you learn about him and his past, the more you understand about why he is the way he is.
Calli and Garrett set sparks flying from their first meeting, and even though they both fought it, it was inevitable that the sparks would ignite (even if the first time was hate s*x!). I loved watching their relationship develop, and the way they use snark as foreplay, and seeing them both learning to overcome their pasts and trust issues and realising they’re safe with each other.
I loved the entire Blackhawk Ink crew and Ruby, and can’t wait to see more of them in future books. They add some much needed humour amongst the darkness, as well as being the ultimate found family.
As for that cliffhanger… I need book 2 right now!
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own.
Wow—Broken absolutely pulled me in from the very first page. Chris Reilly has created something really special here, and I just have to say how much I loved this book.
Set in a tattoo studio in Baltimore, the story is raw, emotional, and beautifully written. What really stood out for me were the characters. Every one of them felt so real—flawed, hurting, but trying their best to heal. I found myself completely invested in their journeys and rooting for them the whole way through. Their struggles felt genuine, and their moments of connection and vulnerability hit me right in the heart.
The author has done an amazing job of balancing the heavier, darker elements of the story with such powerful moments of hope and warmth. The chemistry between the main two characters was intense in the best way, and the dialogue felt so natural—it made it easy to get completely lost in the world you have created.
This is the kind of book that stays with you. If you’re a fan of contemporary romance that’s full of heart, depth, and emotion, I can’t recommend Broken enough. It’s a brilliant start to what I’m sure is going to be a fantastic series—and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
This was an ARC Read for Chris Reilly and having just recently read A Sky Full of Stars, I knew I was in for a treat and boy this book doesn't disappoint.
This book is just full of tension, banter and tenderness and from the very beginning you could see that Garrett and Calli were so meant for each other and I really enjoyed their story and cannot wait to see what happens next in this series.
It was an absolutely delightful read, it flowed really well and kept me gripped throughout, particularly with that ending.
I really loved how this was a opposites attract book and how there was so much backstory just making it more interesting and I loved Garrett and Calli’s relationship dynamic and being enemies to lovers just made it better being my favourite trope
We picked this book out for our first book club book, and its the first book I have read from this author. I found the story to be a bit slow to start off and it gradually started to pick up as I got through the story. It started off with Calli who was trying to start a new life in a new town/city after being betrayed by her loved ones back in her old city. This book didn't really go into detail on what happened to her but did give you some sort of idea on what happened. As for Garrett he is a mystery and you don't really know much about him until later on in the story. Again, there isn't much background about him just little snippets from his past and how he became the way he is.
I loved how we were introduced to everyone at Blackhawk Ink tattoo shop. The scene with Lucky and the boys and how they all back each other up to do with a rowdy customers was both hilarious and shows how close Lucky, Shane, Sumner and Phoenix are. Even if it means they have a grumpy boss who probably feels like a parent to them all because of they behaviours and pranks. While Garrett has his work colleagues, Calli has her best friend Sin who acts like the annoying sister everyone dreads of having my loves them deeply, as well as her new co-worker Ruby who is just as crazy, creating that trio dynamic of them all which I love.
Throughout the book you see both friendships groups merge into one, causing more chaos. Especially with the girls, as Lucky is one of those people that can convince you to do anything no matter how many times she pushes. You get to experience more background with each of the characters, especially with Phoenix who has a complicated past that sometimes pops in to the mix at the tattoo shop causing tension in both himself and with Garrett.
I loved the tension and the push/pull dynamic between Calli and Garrett. Even though there were some spicy scenes between them, they weren't as detailed or as spicy that I'm normally use to. For me, I would say the spiciness was tamed and more vanilla than my other books but you do get the idea on what is going on.
The only drama/excitement that got interesting was with the motorcycle gang that Garrett is unofficially with. I'm hoping that throughout the series we get to know more and more about the gang and if anymore complications and trouble would arrive. There wasn't any drama or tension when it came to Calli's past though which was a shame as it would of given her story more excitement.
Overall, it was a good read. A lot of things I loved about it but a few things that could of made the story more exciting...however the ending was defiantly a great cliffhanger (even if the author says it was just a tease for book 2 and not a cliffhanger). Either way, I am excited to see what book 2 will be about and hopefully will get more background stories from everyone else at Blackhawk Ink.
Can Calli and Garrett put each other back together?
Broken is so beautifully written. The reality of having to leave something behind that you love because of someone else is captured perfectly. Loss and grief are also handled so well.
Calli moves to Baltimore to start again. She's not completely alone, she has her best friend Sin by her side. She finds other friendships in Ruby from the coffee shop where she works and the gang at the Blackhawk Ink Tattoo Studio. Enter our surly male lead! He's caught between two lives and his past is very much in his present. I thought my Kindle might catch fire there were so many sparks between these two, especially at the beginning.
I loved how they both grew together after initially hating one another and then just throwing themselves at each other! Sometimes intentionally sometimes less so!
Their friends are all great and I know some will be getting their own stories. I'll say thanks again, Chris, for popping me in (if you don't know, I won Chris's competition to be a side character). Book Nina makes an early appearance. That's all I'll say 😉
The main story is wrapped up before the end of the book but there is a cliffhanger! I'm here for the long haul! Give me more Blackhawk Ink!
At first, I was like, "Hmm, this is a bit of a slow starter," you know? But stick with it, seriously.
It's about Garrett, this tattoo artist who's ex-military and kinda does jobs for the local MC – total alpha male vibes. And then there's Cali, who's an architect running from a seriously messed-up past. Both of them have been through some stuff, and you can feel it.
Garrett's all grumpy and closed off, but Cali starts to crack through his shell, and their chemistry? Off the charts! 🔥🔥🔥 Seriously, some steamy scenes! But it's not just about the spice; the story itself is gripping once it gets going. I was legit staying up way too late to read it.
What I love about Chris Reilly's books is that you just end up loving all the characters. They're all so unique and have their own little quirks that make them feel so real. You just get sucked into their world.
Honestly, "Broken" is a rollercoaster. It's got the feels, the heat, and the suspense. If you're into MC romances with a bit of a dark edge, you NEED to read this.
I loved this book, Chris did an amazing job at hooking me from chapter 1 of this book.
Garret owns a Tattoo shop and is also a member of the local MC. Calli is such a fun in interesting character, their meet cute was lovely but Garret wants to keep Calli at arms length so in the process comes across like he is uninterested but their connection was so lovely that they can’t help but gravitate towards each other literally! They both heal something within each other and I loved that about this book. If you like MC romance then you will love this book, if you like Tattoo shop then you will love this book. If you are looking for an introduction to either Tattoo shop or MC then this is a great place to start. I can not wait for book 2 to come out and for us to find out more about the other members of the Tattoo shop and the members of the MC Chris has written this book so well that I think readers will love anyones story to come next.
A brilliant start to a new series of books from this versatile author. This is a captivating story about the growing love between Callie and Garrett the main characters. They are well developed and engaging with both having intriguing back stories coming to life throughout which make you want to keep reading. There is a cast of loveable and interesting side characters which set the scene for further books featuring the Blackhawk Ink crew. There are some wonderful descriptions that capture the sheer creativity and artistry involved in designing and producing the perfect tattoo. Overall a well rounded, exciting, moving and sexy story which makes for a must read.
As always, I have really enjoyed one of Chris' books. This had 2 of my favourite thinks, tattoos and a MC. I absolutely love how these books are all connected in some way. Even Archer got a mention!
Calli and Garett were ridiculously cute together and he really is full of surprises, but not as much as Calli when we found out why she wasn't taking to her mum. I did not see that coming! And omg..that ending...the cliffhanger 😱 how am I supposed to go about my daily life now?!
I can’t even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this book… Garret and Calli are hot as hell in this book
Tattoo artist ✔️ Mouth full of sin ✔️ Biker ✔️ Hot as Hell ✔️
I loved reading this story and about the other characters, the way Chris has brought these characters to life was lovely to read. I was rooting for two of the characters in here so bad, it’s made me soo excited to see what’s to come.
5 stars on spice, writing, editing and storyline! Great, connected universe here. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing lots of our friends from her rockstars series.